I’m Grace, the cook and storyteller behind Homely Tasty. Every spoonful of this Broccoli Cheddar Soup brings me back to my nonna’s kitchen, where soup simmered low and slow on Sunday afternoons. The smell of melted cheddar and sautéed onions filled the air, a sign that something comforting was coming. When I first recreated it in my own home, it became my go-to meal for cold evenings; cozy, rich, and full of wholesome vegetables. If you’re craving something easy yet deeply satisfying, this is it.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about creamy soups that wrap you in warmth. This Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers that feeling with every spoonful. It’s loaded with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a smooth, velvety texture that beats any takeout version. You’ll love that it’s ready in about 30 minutes and made entirely in one pot; perfect for weeknights.
Unlike other cream soups, this one strikes the right balance between richness and nutrition. The broccoli adds fiber and vitamins, while cheddar provides protein and flavor depth. Plus, it’s versatile, you can serve it with crusty bread or even alongside a salad.
For another simple weeknight comfort food, check out this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings.
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Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A creamy, cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and rich cream. Perfect for chilly days when you need a cozy, flavorful meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
3 tbsp butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp flour
4 cups broccoli florets
1 large carrot, grated
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle in flour and stir for about 1 minute to create a roux.
3. Gradually pour in broth while whisking to remove any lumps.
4. Add broccoli and carrots, then simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Reduce heat and stir in the cream.
6. Add shredded cheddar and stir until melted and creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm with extra cheddar or croutons.
Notes
For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with milk. To make vegetarian, use vegetable broth. The soup thickens as it cools, reheat gently and avoid boiling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Ingredients
You only need a few staples to make this Broccoli Cheddar Soup extraordinary.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| Onion, chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Broccoli florets | 4 cups |
| Carrots, grated | 1 large |
| Chicken or vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Heavy cream or half-and-half | 1 cup |
| Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
For another hearty and cozy soup, try this Crockpot Crack Potato Soup.
How to Make It
Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour and stir for one minute; this thickens the base. Pour in broth slowly, whisking to prevent lumps.
Next, add broccoli and carrots. Let the vegetables simmer for about 15 minutes until tender. Reduce the heat and stir in cream, followed by shredded cheddar. Keep stirring until the cheese fully melts into a smooth, creamy blend. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately with a sprinkle of extra cheddar or croutons for texture. It’s the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds.
If you enjoy creamy soups, don’t miss the Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe.
Tips and Variations
- Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for milk and reduce cheese slightly.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and add extra broccoli.
- Texture tip: For a smoother soup, blend half and mix it back into the pot.
- Flavor booster: A dash of nutmeg or smoked paprika deepens the taste.
If you like a chunkier texture, skip the blending altogether and enjoy a heartier bowl. For meal prep, this soup keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove; avoid boiling, which can separate the cheese.
For more wholesome vegetable ideas, try this Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cheese works best for Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for bold flavor, but you can mix mild cheddar with Monterey Jack for creaminess.
Can I freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Yes, though it’s best frozen before adding the cheese. Reheat gently, then stir in fresh cheese before serving.
How can I thicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Use a bit of flour or cornstarch slurry, or simmer uncovered to reduce liquid naturally.
What can I serve with it?
This soup pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is everything comfort food should be; creamy, flavorful, and made with love. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to warm you up, whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself. As my nonna would say, “Food isn’t about perfection, it’s about care.” So, grab your pot, stir with patience, and make this soup your own version of home.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
